Oakland-Part 2

As promised, here is a little more about our awesome trip to Oakland. Saturday, again we headed out of town, to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Keep in mind, Oakland Spring is like a nice Seattle Summer day. It was so refreshing to get some sun on our pasty white skin. BZ and Luke took us out into some wine country, to the Russian River. I loved seeing a new part of the area. It was such a change from the city. It looked a little like Eastern Washington. We made it to the river, and got to spend the day taking dips in the water and enjoying the sun. This was Demian's favorite part of the trip. He loved getting a chance to swim in Spring while it was rainy and cold back at home.



Vinyard on the way to the river.



After a day at the water it was time to hit the town. Our first stop was Homeroom. Oh, man this was awesome. If you didn't check the link, it is a restaurant that is nothing but Mac N' Cheese. You know I was in heaven. It was a super cute place to boot. A must visit if you go to Oakland and love some cheesy goodness. Good thing I don't live in Oakland, because it could be addicting.




I really, really loved this place.



Makes me hungry just looking at the pictures.

Next stop was a Tiki bar, we didn't spend too much time there, just long enough to get a ridicoulus drink and have a drunk girl almost fall into my lap. 



Scorpion Bowl aka Viper Pit, aka Water Moccasin Nest

 

It takes a village...to drink this thing.

Next up the Alley, again, if you go to Oakland, please visit this place. But you might want to go soon, because the main attaction, Rod Dibble isn't getting any younger. I couldn't find a link to the bar's website, but it has been in business over 70 years. The piano man, Rod Dibble has been playing nightly for about 50 of them. He's a young 82 years old now. The place is totally charming if you are into dark, dive bars, which I am.

The walls are covered with business cards and bits of history.



Cute stuff and such great hosts.

 

The Dibbs

 

We woke up Sunday with not much on our agenda. Our flight left around 3 which gave us a little time to explore before it was time to head back home. Our fantastic hosts had a surprise for us. They took us someplace without really explaining where we were headed. After parking we started walking a trail down the coastline. Then it became apparent, there was something unique about this trail. After an earthquake, a bunch of rubble was dumped along this area. Locals decided it needed to be decorated and turned the rubble into art. This was the kind of place they don't tell you about in the travel guides.

Marybeth and Luke were not the alone in showing love for us this weekend. We got to spend time with Brooklyn and Frank. Brooks and I go way back, but this was our first time meeting Frank. What a lover. If I hadn't been consumed with figuring out how to get a goat home, I might have stolen him.



It was love at first sight.




Me and Beebs! Reunited and it feels so good.




BZ and her babies. They love that sunny spot.

Thanks again to our amazing host, and thanks to Grandpa and Tutu for the tickets and for watching our little man, so that Mama and Papa could have a mini vacation. Maybe this will be an annual event. I can hear Homeroom calling my name already.